PennDOT, Safety Partners Raise Public Awareness of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at Crosswalks

​Clearfield, PA -Representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 2, the Highway Safety Network (HSN) Pennsylvania State Police, and State College Borough Police gathered today in state college to educate the public on rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB) and their intended purpose to improve pedestrian and crosswalk safety.

An RRFB is a traffic control device placed at a crosswalk that uses flashing yellow lights to warn motorists of pedestrians or bicyclists who are waiting to use, or who are already using the crosswalk. Pedestrians must press a button on the pole on which the RRFB is mounted to activate the device.

"These flashing beacons are one more tool we have to help keep pedestrians safe while crossing the road," said PennDOT Traffic Control Specialist Bob Campolong. "When motorists see the beacons flashing, it's a message telling them to slow down, remain alert, and to watch for people crossing the road in between the beacons. These are especially useful at crosswalks where there is decreased sight distance, as well as for nighttime crossings when visibility is diminished."

Campolong warned that pedestrians also have a responsibility for the safety of themselves and others, noting standard crosswalk rules apply, and that RRFB's are not the same as a traffic signal.

"An RRFB signals to drivers that a pedestrian is in the intersection, but it does not signal them to stop. Just as in any crosswalk, drivers are required by law to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, however, pedestrians also have the responsibility to cross safely. It is never safe to walk into the street with traffic quickly approaching, and an RRFB does not guarantee that drivers will stop."

Josh Woods, Highway Safety Network Community Traffic Safety Project Coordinator, added, "It's important that motorists slow down when approaching a crosswalk or intersection, that they travel at a prudent speed and don't try to beat a light at signalized intersection, and most importantly always expect the unexpected and be alert for pedestrians.

"On the flip side, it's important for pedestrians to cross only at crosswalks, that they look left, right, then left again and keep looking, and that they make eye contact with approaching drivers. Pedestrians should always watch for turning vehicles and obey traffic signs and signals."

For more information on pedestrian safety, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

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